7 Easy Thanksgiving Desserts Everyone Will Love

Thanksgiving is all about good food and great company, so why not wrap up your feast with some easy desserts that everyone will love? From pumpkin pie to apple crisp, these simple treats are perfect for adding a sweet touch to your holiday gathering without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s get right to the recipes!

Chocolate Pumpkin Mousse

Chocolate pumpkin mousse is a delightful treat that combines rich chocolate with the warm flavors of pumpkin. This dessert is perfect for Thanksgiving, offering a unique twist on traditional pumpkin pie. The creamy texture and chocolatey goodness make it a crowd-pleaser.

To make this dessert, you’ll need some simple ingredients. Start with pumpkin puree, chocolate, heavy cream, and a few other pantry staples. The blend of chocolate and pumpkin creates a luscious mousse that’s both light and satisfying.

Serving this mousse in elegant glasses adds a touch of sophistication to your Thanksgiving table. Top it with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for a beautiful presentation. It’s a dessert that looks impressive but is easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Whipped cream and chocolate shavings for topping

Instructions

1. Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water, stirring until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
2. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form.
3. Fold the pumpkin puree into the melted chocolate until well combined.
4. Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate-pumpkin mixture until no streaks remain.
5. Divide the mousse into serving glasses and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
6. Before serving, top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

Pecan Pie Bars

Pecan pie bars are a delightful twist on the classic pecan pie, making them perfect for Thanksgiving. These bars are rich, sweet, and packed with crunchy pecans, all sitting on a buttery crust. They’re easy to cut and serve, making them a great choice for gatherings.

The combination of gooey filling and a crumbly base creates a wonderful texture. Plus, they look beautiful on any dessert table, especially with some festive decorations around them. You can enjoy them warm or at room temperature, and they pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

These bars are not just tasty; they are simple to make. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a batch that will impress your family and friends. Get ready to add this recipe to your Thanksgiving dessert lineup!

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup corn syrup
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups pecans, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
2. Make the crust: In a bowl, combine flour and powdered sugar. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. Bake the crust for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
4. While the crust is baking, prepare the filling: In a large bowl, whisk together corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in the chopped pecans.
5. Pour the filling over the baked crust and spread it evenly.
6. Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly browned.
7. Let cool completely before cutting into bars. Serve and enjoy!

Maple Walnut Brownies

Maple walnut brownies are a delightful twist on a classic dessert. These brownies combine rich chocolate with the nutty crunch of walnuts, all drizzled with sweet maple syrup. They make a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table, offering a cozy flavor that pairs well with the season.

Making these brownies is simple and fun. You start by melting chocolate and butter together, then mix in sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Finally, fold in the flour and walnuts for that extra texture. Bake until they are just set, and let them cool before adding a drizzle of maple syrup on top.

These brownies not only taste amazing but also look beautiful on a serving platter. The combination of chocolate and maple creates a warm, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen. They are sure to impress your guests and become a new favorite!

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1/4 cup maple syrup

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a saucepan, melt the butter and dark chocolate over low heat, stirring until smooth.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Gently fold in the flour and walnuts until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
7. Let the brownies cool in the pan. Once cooled, drizzle with maple syrup before cutting into squares.

Cranberry Orange Tart

Cranberry orange tart is a delightful dessert that brings a burst of flavor to your Thanksgiving table. The tart features a buttery crust filled with a sweet and tangy cranberry orange filling. Its vibrant colors make it a stunning centerpiece for any holiday gathering.

The combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange creates a refreshing taste that balances well with the sweetness of the crust. This dessert is not only tasty but also easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for those busy holiday days.

To make this tart, you will need a few simple ingredients, and the steps are straightforward. Let’s get into the recipe!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon cold water
• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

1. Make the Crust: In a bowl, mix flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add softened butter and mix until crumbly. Stir in egg yolk and cold water until a dough forms. Press into a tart pan and chill for 30 minutes.
2. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Bake the Crust: Bake the chilled crust for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden. Let it cool.
4. Prepare the Filling: In a saucepan, combine cranberries, granulated sugar, orange juice, orange zest, cornstarch, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat until cranberries burst and mixture thickens, about 10 minutes.
5. Fill the Tart: Pour the cranberry mixture into the cooled crust, spreading it evenly. Let it cool completely before serving.
6. Serve: Slice and enjoy your cranberry orange tart with a dollop of whipped cream if desired.

Sweet Potato Pie with Marshmallow Topping

Sweet potato pie is a classic dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any Thanksgiving table. Its creamy filling, made from rich sweet potatoes, is perfectly balanced with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Topped with a layer of toasted marshmallows, this pie adds a delightful sweetness that everyone loves.

The crust is flaky and buttery, providing a perfect base for the smooth filling. Each slice is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, especially with that golden marshmallow topping that’s lightly toasted to perfection.

This pie is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, freeing you up to enjoy the holiday festivities. Serve it warm or at room temperature, and watch as it disappears from the dessert table!

Ingredients

• 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 large sweet potatoes)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 pre-made pie crust
• 2 cups mini marshmallows

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, milk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until smooth.
3. Pour the sweet potato mixture into the pie crust, spreading it evenly.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is set.
5. Remove the pie from the oven and top with mini marshmallows, spreading them evenly over the surface.
6. Return the pie to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown.
7. Let the pie cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Apple Crisp with Oat Topping

Apple Crisp with Oat Topping is a classic dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any Thanksgiving table. The sweet, tender apples are perfectly complemented by a crunchy oat topping, making it a favorite for many. This dish is not just delicious but also easy to prepare, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the holiday with your loved ones.

Imagine the aroma of baked apples and cinnamon filling your kitchen as this dessert bakes. It’s the perfect ending to a festive meal. Serve it warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and watch everyone smile with delight.

Ingredients

• 6 cups sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Spread the mixture evenly in a greased baking dish.
3. In another bowl, combine rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and melted butter. Mix until crumbly.
4. Sprinkle the oat mixture over the apples, covering them evenly.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
6. Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with a scoop of ice cream on top!

Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bites

These Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bites are the perfect treat for Thanksgiving. They combine the rich flavors of pumpkin and cream cheese, making them a delightful addition to your dessert table. Each bite-sized cheesecake is topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon, adding a warm touch that everyone will love.

Making these bites is simple and fun. Start with a graham cracker crust that adds a nice crunch. The creamy pumpkin filling is easy to whip up and bakes to perfection. These little desserts are not only tasty but also look beautiful on any festive table.

Gather your friends and family around to enjoy these delicious bites. They are sure to be a hit and can be made ahead of time, leaving you more time to enjoy the holiday!

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of each muffin cup to form a crust.
3. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Mix until fully combined.
4. Pour the pumpkin mixture over the crust in each muffin cup, filling them about ¾ full.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the centers are set. Remove from the oven and let cool.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.